Saijo no Osewa ~ Takane no Hana [LN] - V2 Chp 1 part 2
When I replied, Tennouji-san smiled with satisfaction.
[Then I’ll personally teach you some manners! The Tennouji family is a family that places great importance on etiquette. Manners are my specialty!]
She put her hand on her chest and said [I’ll take care of it!].
Frankly, that’d be very helpful. It’s very helpful, but it’s not a decision I can make on my own. That being spending time after school with someone else.
[I really appreciate what you’re saying, but… let me think about it first]
When I said this, Tennouji-san looked at me strangely.
[Why? I thought you were interested?]
[Well, I’m not allowed to make my own schedule due to my position]
[I see. Sounds like a rough house]
If you call it a challenge, it could really be one. After all, it’s the Konohana Group.
Even though I’ve gotten used to it lately, I feel a little shrugged off at times.
I let out a light sigh as I remembered my daily struggles… and realized that Tennouji-san was staring at me silently.
[Tomonari-san, do you behave the same way when you are at home as you do now?]
[When you say “as now”, do you mean…?]
[What I mean is an attitude that seems somewhat ostentatious without an ounce of confidence]
That one felt too close for comfort.
But, if I’m hesitant right now, I’m sure I’m the same as when I’m at the mansion.
[Maybe… I’m also like this at home]
When I answered, Tennouji-san sighed.
[I invited you for one more reason besides your grades. It’s about your behavior at the academy]
Tennouji-san looked me straight in the eye and continued.
[I’ll ask you straight.―Do you feel inferior to those around you?]
For a moment, I thought my heart had been grabbed by an eagle.
It was not to say that it was a shock to hear the truth… It was due to the fact that she saw something even I myself wasn’t aware of.
I’m the only commoner in the academy. Compared to everyone else, I’m inferior in everything, including my intelligence and family background.
Normally, I don’t mind it that much, but the fact of it suddenly crossed my mind. I wouldn’t normally be allowed to enroll in the academy, and I’m only here because of the power of the Konohana family. It’d be difficult not to feel inferior.
―I might have an inferiority complex.
After all this time, I still think so.
Perhaps sensing my stagnant state of mind, Tennouji-san continued.
[It’s not uncommon for students at Kiou Academy to suffer from this kind of complex. But fortunately, you have ambition. I promise you that under my guidance, you will be able to break free from this complex]
Thank you.
It was such a gratifying proposal that I almost agreed to it right away.
I would like to contribute more to Hinako as a caretaker. The more this feeling takes shape, the more challenges appear. It may seem naive, but I have a feeling that if Tennouji-san could teach me how to study and behave in a proper manner, all of these problems would be resolved at once.
[I must get back to the classroom now. I would appreciate hearing back from you as soon as possible]
[…I understand. I will get back to you tomorrow]
I’ll talk to Shizune-san about it as soon as I get back.
[Thank you for calling out to me. …Tennouji-san really has an eye for people, doesn’t she? Frankly, I didn’t expect you to see through me so well]
[I’m flattered. It’s not a big deal]
[No, I really think it’s great]
When I told her I was impressed once again, Tennouji-san looked away.
[It’s really not that big of a deal. …It’s just, I’ve been there myself]
The latter half of the sentence was mostly muttered to herself, so I hardly heard it.
However, the only thing that remained strong in my memory was the unusually gloomy expression on Tennouji-san’s face for someone who always acted so stout.
♢♢♢
After school.
Back at the Konohana family mansion, I was receiving lessons from Shizune-san as usual.
[That concludes today’s lesson. Thank you for your hard work]
[Thank you for your hard work]
Preparation, review, etiquette classes, and self-defense.
With each one completed, I finally realized the day was over.
I used to be so exhausted at this time that I couldn’t even speak, but now I have a little more time and energy to spare. I guess that means I’m growing both physically and mentally.
After this I must head to Hinako’s room and take a bath.
I wiped my sweat lightly and looked at Shizune-san, who was checking through documents at hand with a difficult face.
[What are those documents?]
[This is the schedule regarding the lessons for Itsuki-san. You’re growing faster than I expected, so I thought I’d readjust it]
Shizune-san read the documents with a serious expression on her face.
…Maybe now was the right time.
Break time after 1st period.
I asked Tennouji-san a question about her offer.
[What do you mean by spending time together after school?]
[I will tutor you on studying]
Tennouji-san went on to explain her intentions.
[I participated in the study session you organized a while back… but to tell you the truth, that was the first time I ever taught anyone anything]
[Is that so?]
[Yes. So, I realized for the first time that… it seems the act of teaching others is also good for me]
What… does that mean, exactly?
Tennouji-san told me as I wondered.
[In short, by teaching others how to study, I also improve my own academic abilities. The results of this are shown from the test results. I was able to close the gap against Konohana-san]
I see.
I understand the story now.
[So are you saying that Tennouji-san would like to continue doing things like the study session in the future?]
[That’s what I mean]
I understood the point and nodded.
[But, why did you choose me?]
[That’s because you have the lowest grades of anyone I’m close to] (TN: ouch that hurt, jeez)
[Ugh….]
I’m sorry, but I have no defense for that.
[But, if we do it this way, I will only bother you. I wish there was something I could do to pay you back…]
[…It’s already great if you can teach me how to study better]
[No. It’s for my own convenience that I am teaching you. It’s not fair that I don’t pay something to you as well]
She’s someone who abides by the law.
Rather than my feelings, I guess Tennouji-san herself isn’t convinced.
[Are you not good at anything other than studying?]
[Something I’m not good at…]
I remember all the mistakes I have made since I became a caretaker.
I’m far from perfect in my studies, exercise, work at the mansion, and self defense, but worst of all…
[…Manners, I guess]
[Shizune-san. I’d like to discuss a few things with you…]
With that said, I explained to Shizune-san about what I talked to Tennouji-san about today.
It was about studying and learning manners from Tennouji-san after school.
[…I see. To have such a talk with Tennouji-sama]
Once Shizune-san heard the story, she put down the documents and pondered.
[Itsuki-san, what do you want to do?]
[I personally would like to take it. Tennouji-san’s teaching style is good… and I can count on her for many things]
Shizune-san taught me well, but Tennouji-san is a classmate of mine, so she gives me advice from the point of view of a student.
Besides―Tennouji-san told me.
『Do you feel inferior to those around you?』
『I promise you that under my guidance, you will be able to break free from this complex』
Those words resonate strongly in my heart.
Tennouji-san is always so imposing and is truly a student worthy of Kiou Academy. I’m sure I was admiring Tennouji-san, although I’ve never been aware of it until now.
[I feel that with Tennouji-san’s guidance… I can become more worthy to Hinako]
I would be able to accompany Hinako anytime she needs to relax. And when the time comes, I would be able to support her perfectly. In order to be that kind of caretaker, there are still too many things I’m lacking. I hope to fix these problems with Tennouji-san.
[I see no issues with that]
Shizune-san continued to say.
[Tennouji-sama will be able to teach you manners better than I can. Besides… I have a message from Keigon-sama. He wants Itsuki-san to actively make connections for the Konohana family on behalf of Ojou-sama]
[…Keigon-san did?]
[Yes. I hope you’re aware of this, in the same way that you invited Miyakojima-sama, Tennouji-sama, and the others to your social gathering. Events like that will help put a good face on Ojou-sama]
Frankly, I was surprised.
I had the feeling that he didn’t trust me very much.
If Keigon-san’s attitude towards me changed, it must’ve been because of the social circle. That night, I felt as if I heard his true feelings for the first time.
[I understand. If that’s the case, I’ll try my best]
[I thank you for your cooperation…. But please, keep it within the natural student-like range]
As fellow students. As friends.
If making connections within that scope, I guess that means I’m free to do it as I go along. Then, it will eventually tie to Hinako.
[…Itsuki?]
At that moment, the door to the dojo opened, and Hinako’s voice was heard.
[Bath… not yet?]
[Sorry, I was talking to Shizune-san for a little]
[…Talking?]
I explained to Hinako, who tilted her head.
[I was going to tell Hinako about it,, but do you mind if we don’t go home together after school for a while]
[…Eh?]
Hinako’s eyes widened in surprise.
[I was hired by Keigon-san once again, so I wanted to learn a lot of things by getting my act together. I want to improve my grades at the academy and learn some manners so I don’t look like a fool in social situations. To do this, I need to use some time after-school for a while]
[Are you being taught by someone? …What about Shizune?]
Shizune-san answered that question for me.
[I also have other work to do, so sometimes it’s difficult to concentrate on Itsuki-san’s lessons. Especially these days, due to the recent social gathering, my work has increased… so I may not be able to devote time to his lessons for a while]
[…Muuu. Then, what about if I teach you…?]
[I think it will be tough on Ojou-sama because she has a lot of things she needs to get done. Besides, it will be good for Itsuki-san’s growth to change his environment and learn from various places]
[Muuu….]
If anything, Hinako was displeased.
Hinako thought about something for 30 seconds, and eventually, she said something.
[Itsuki. …Is it for me?]
[I know it’s a little different to say it’s for Hinako’s sake…. But it’s to make sure that I do my job as a caretaker properly]
I don’t want to sound patronizing, but I’m willing to take this on because I want to help Hinako more than ever.
Hinako let out a distressed [Nuuuuu], and sighed.
[Then, I have no choice. …I forgive you]
[Thanks]
Hinako gave me her permission.
I will let Tennouji-san know tomorrow that I will accept her offer.
[But… who will teach you study, manners, and so…?]
I answered her question.
[Tennouji-san will]
I told Hinako again, who seemed a little surprised.
[I think I’ll be spending some time with Tennouji-san after school]
[………………………]
Editor got a quick one done so y’all can enjoy this :). Be sure to thank him for this, whether on discord or comments, mans too overworked (I have no intention on letting down either). I’ll possibly be going on a mountain trip around the 28th til the 31st, so wish me luck, really looking forward to it.
Donations are very much appreciated.
TL: Ezu
ED: Animu
PR: Mateo
BakaSID
Atleast one pouting face of her😩